Miami Dolphins WR Jabar Gaffney learning on the fly

Ex-Gator knows most of the plays, but not all the plays

October 26, 2012|By Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel

DAVIE — — Here's the deal on why Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jabar Gaffney has been inactive for the two games since he was signed: It's not that Gaffney doesn't know the plays, he just doesn't know the other plays, the ones quarterback Ryan Tannehill could call at the line of scrimmage.

"Tannehill has a lot of control at the line and he can check into stuff," Gaffney said. "So I can know the initial play but he gets up there and he checks and we've got 10 guys on one page and one guy that's not, and that won't be good."

There's definitely a sense of urgency here. With Sunday's opponent, the New York Jets, missing their best player in shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis (knee), there seems to be an opportunity for Miami's passing game to exploit a weakened secondary.

But there's no word yet on whether Gaffney's schooling will be complete. Coach Joe Philbin, who said he likes what he's seen this week, has been non-committal. And after being asked about Gaffney on a daily basis, Philbin has even developed a sense of humor on the subject.

"If he does [play], we'll get it up on Broadway lights or something," he said.

Still, the fact is Miami's passing game is ranked 21st in the 32-team NFL at 224.2 yards per game. The Dolphins rank 22nd in points per game (20). Both categories could use a boost Sunday.

Philbin has preached all season the Dolphins don't need a so-called Alpha wide receiver, a clear-cut No. 1 option. In lieu of that, however, the Dolphins need depth, and that's Gaffney's job.

"I'm doing everything in my power to get myself ready to go out there and help this team out on Sunday," he said.

Gaffney, the 11-year veteran from Florida, played for Washington last season, totaling career bests in receptions (68) and yards (947), and tying his career best in touchdowns (five). He led the team in all three categories.

But in May the Redskins decided they wanted to go with a younger cast around rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III so they cut Gaffney and signed Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan. Gaffney was signed by New England but sustained a thigh injury and was cut in August. Gaffney said physically he's 100 percent.

"It's just the plays," he said in reference to what's keeping him off the field.

Although the Jets' pass defense ranks ninth in yards per game (215.1) you could argue that's partly because their run defense ranks 30th in rushing yards per game (147.7). Opponents prefer to attack the Jets' vulnerability on the ground.

Since Revis' absence the Jets have been playing more zone coverage, according to Tannehill and Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman. New York's secondary was pretty good in last week's 29-26 overtime loss to New England. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie held Brandon Lloyd, one of quarterback Tom Brady's favorite targets, to one reception for 6 yards. Nickel back Isaiah Trufant held Wes Welker, the NFL's leading receiver, to six receptions for 66 yards.

The notable exception was cornerback Kyle Wilson, Revis' replacement, being flagged for pass interference in overtime, which led to the game-winning field goal.

Gaffney said he understands why he hasn't played. He said it's about "showing the coaches and my teammates that I know what I'm doing so they can have enough confidence to throw me out there and let me go."